When you welcome your new baby, there's so much to think about! It's a super exciting time for any parent, and you want to make sure your little one stays healthy and grows up strong. Taking care of their brand-new baby teeth is just as important!
Usually, babies get their first tooth when they're about 6 months old. By the time they're 3 years old, they'll have 20 baby teeth. But here's the tricky part: baby teeth can get cavities right after they come in. That means if you don't take good care of them, your baby might get tooth decay.Looking after your baby's teeth might feel a bit confusing. You might have lots of questions, but one of the biggest ones is likely, "What toothpaste should I use for my little one?"
Figuring out the answer might not be as easy as you think. Here are some things to think about before you choose a toothpaste for your child:
1. Check the Fluoride Content
Toothpaste typically includes fluoride, anti-bacterial agents, and mild abrasives to combat tooth decay and maintain oral health. Each ingredient serves a specific purpose: anti-bacterial agents prevent bacterial growth, reducing plaque and gingivitis; abrasives like magnesium carbonate and calcium carbonate enhance brushing effectiveness; fluoride strengthens tooth enamel and prevents decay.
However, toothpastes for adults and children differ in their fluoride levels. It's crucial to check the packaging for fluoride content. Most adult toothpastes contain 1000-1500 ppm of fluoride. Since children under 2 often swallow toothpaste, it's harmful due to potential fluoride ingestion. Hence, always opt for toothpaste specifically formulated for children, containing fluoride levels not exceeding 500 ppm.
You can use a 1000ppm fluoride toothpaste (adult toothpaste)as soon as your kids start spitting properly
2. Talk to your dentist!!
Before selecting a fluoridated toothpaste for your child, it's advisable to seek advice from your dentist. Potable water already contains trace amounts of fluoride, which is crucial for cavity prevention and is the primary component in toothpaste.
Typically, children under 2 years old receive sufficient fluoride from tap water alone, sometimes eliminating the necessity for a fluoride toothpaste. However, if your kids develop cavities or has a potential to develop cavities, your dentist determines will recommend a suitable toothpaste for kids. Therefore, get a 6 monthly check up.
3. Pick a Child-friendly Flavour
Mint is the most popular flavour for oral products throughout the world. However, when it comes to children, they prefer fruity flavours like strawberry or watermelon. In fact, many children don’t like brushing because they don’t like the taste of regular toothpastes. Although, you may have to try a few flavours to find one that that fancies your child’s taste buds.
Funny cartoon characters on the packaging can also encourage your child to enjoy brushing and promote good oral hygiene.
4. Check government and ISO Certifications
To ensure the complete safety of a product, always check if it has necessary government certification. If you have any concerns regarding toothpaste, consult your dentist. He or she will tell you whether to use the toothpaste or not. Also, not all kids are patient enough to brush for full 2 minutes. So, try making brushing time exciting by singing a song or narrating a fun story.
Oral Care Tips for Parents
- What should be the quantity of toothpaste to be used?
You may be used to squeezing out enough toothpaste to cover the surface of your brush. But, children have small teeth and hence, need only a little. Moreover, smaller quantity minimizes the fluoride intake. For children under 3, simply smear the toothpaste or use an amount the size of a rice grain. For children between 3-6 years of age, use a pea-sized amount to brush their teeth.
- Oral Care Begins Earlier Than You Think
It is important to start cleaning your baby’s mouth even when your baby doesn’t have any teeth. Surprised??? Baby teeth start developing from the second trimester (during pregnancy) itself so taking care of them early on is a wise choice. You can start by wiping the gums with a clean and moist washcloth or gauze pad. This will not only clean your baby’s mouth but also get him or her used to brushing.
- Get a Fun Toothbrush Too!
Making mundane tasks enjoyable is often the most effective way to engage children. While many kids might not enjoy brushing their teeth, integrating it into their playtime routine can make it more appealing. Using character-based toothbrushes alongside kid-friendly toothpaste is a fantastic method to encourage children to brush regularly and uphold good oral hygiene.
Remember these tips and guarantee a radiant smile for your precious little one. Pediatric Dentist recommended toothpaste in India
- ICPA Kids Bunny toothpaste: Link: https://www.amazon.in/ICPA-Kids-Bunny-Tube-Toothpaste/dp/B0C1YSLNVS/
- PediflorKidz by Group Pharma: Link to Purchase: https://www.amazon.in/PediflorKidz-Bubble-Natural-Orange-Toothpaste/dp/B09J8GV5QR/
- Colgate Kids Link to Purchase: https://www.amazon.in/Colgate-Toothpaste-Spiderman-Bubble-Fruit/dp/B00DRE1MJY/
About the author
Dr. Shruti Rathi is a Periodontist and Implantologist with more than 14 years of experience in providing patients with painfree dental treatments. Her mission is to change people's perception of dentistry from a painful ordeal to an indulgent experience. She loves blogging and conducting educational camps for kids as well as adults. She has several national and international papers to her credit. To know more about her, click here.